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Tournament News

CALGARY—Make it four victories for Calgary’s Mitchell Fox on the PGA of Alberta calendar this summer.

The Apprentice Professional from the Speargrass Golf Course proved once again he is amongst Alberta’s best in 2024 after taking the final Players Tour event of the season with a clean round of 67 at the Turner Valley Golf Club.

“I feel like I’ve played really solid this year. I putted really well these last few weeks so that’s helped a lot,” said Fox. “Today, I hit it really well and the game has been good all year. I just need to hope to break through in a few weeks in the national events, but this feels good to win here leading into that.”

Fox was sharp from tee-to-green throughout the 6,818-yard Turner Valley track where that hot putter helped him roll in five birdies on a bogey-free card.

Fox also won the Cobra/Puma Golf Assistants Championship, the Players Tour 2-Day Event at Cougar Creek, and teamed up with Matthew Mah to win the Kailani Pro-Pro Scramble earlier this summer.

The field of 30 players were slated to tee it up over two-days for the final Players Tour event of the season, but Mother Nature had other ideas, throwing heavy rain down in southern Alberta on Wednesday which forced Tournament Officials to shorten the event to a single-day 18-hole shootout.

“The course was really good especially considering how much rain they got yesterday. It was kind of surprising how well it recovered. It was in really good shape,” added Fox. “It was enjoyable to play. The setup was really good. I had Sam (Kirkness) who ended up finishing second in my group, so it was a good battle going back and forth all day.”

Inglewood Golf and Country Club’s Kirkness made a charge down the finishing stretch, making back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th holes. Fox and Kirkness were tied heading into the final hole, but Fox secured the title after a costly bogey on the 397-yard, par-4 by Kirkness for a 68.

Matthew Mah (Mill Woods Golf Course) was third at 69 (-3).

Chris Horton (Golf Channel Academy at Cottonwood Golf and Country Club) and Michael Harrison (Coal Creek Golf Resort) rounded out the top-five, deadlocked in fourth at even-par 72.

Complete Results:

For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/

Tournament News

EDMONTON—Scott Allred and Gina Nelson etched their names in the history books as the winners of the 2024 Seniors and Ladies Championship presented by Schooley Mitchell and Fresh Golf Solutions at Trestle Creek Golf Resort near Edmonton on Tuesday.

Allred, who made the trip up Highway 2 from Calgary, was the only player in the 40-man field to finish sub-par in both rounds, taking the title with a combined score of -5. Nelson (Highlands Golf Club) was the top woman in Alberta for the second straight year.

Calgary’s Allred posted scores of 68-71—139 to take his eighth Seniors Championship by three shots.

“I just thought I’d try to keep the ball in play and hit fairways and greens. That’s all I kept saying to myself and then lag putting because it is so challenging on these greens,” said Allred, who had a bogey-free back-nine with six birdies on his opening day. “I was able to make a few birdies on the back nine yesterday, shooting 30, that is a low for me. A few went in for me. I feel very fortunate to have this eight times now. It’s exciting to still be competitive coming up on 64 here.”

Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) was second at 142 after carding rounds off 68-74. Jeff Cuthbertson (Stony Plain Golf Course), Larry Petryk (Larry Petryk Golf Academy) and Chris Toth (Broadmoor Golf Club) finished deadlocked in third at 144.

The win secures Allred a spot in the final qualifier for the 2025 Rogers Charity Classic – Canada’s lone PGA TOUR Champions stop – which has been contested on his home course at Elbow Springs Golf Club. 

“There is an incentive to get into the final qualifier for the Rogers. It is neat to play with some of those guys who still haven’t qualified – that’s what I like about this,” added Allred. “As long as I’m still competitive, it keeps me motivated. It gives me the drive to keep working on my game.”

Gina Nelson was a model of consistency in the Ladies Championships, locking in rounds of 78-77 for a winning total off 155.

“It was in great shape. I’ve played here a couple of times and knew that the greens can be really challenging depending on where they put the pins. They did put them in some tough spots, so I knew putting was a big thing and needed to eliminate those mistakes as much as possible on the greens which was still a challenge but managed to pull it off."

It is the second time in her career that Nelson has won the top Ladies Championship in Alberta back-to-back.

“It is really important event. It helps grow women’s golf and I know that has been a big push at the PGA of Canada and here in Alberta, so we hope to continue pushing this tournament to be successful and be something that a lot of people are striving to play, and be a part of, because it is a big title to have,” she said.

Elizabeth Stewart (Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club) finished the 2-day Championship in second with Marsha Rogers (The Derrick Golf and Winter Club) placing in third.

Complete Results:

For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/

Tournament News

The Seniors & Ladies Championship presented by Schooley Mitchell and Fresh Golf Solutions kicked off round 1 at Trestle Creek GR. 

Leading the way for the Seniors is Keith Whitecotton (The Quarry) and Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who matched cards on Monday with opening rounds of 68. Whitecotton was in control of his game all day draining 4 birdies and failing to drop a shot throughout the 18 hole test. Allred found his momentum as he made the turn, collecting 6 birdies in his final 9 holes to erase two early bogies and keep himself in contention to win another PGA of Alberta Seniors Championship.

The Ladies were also navigating their way on the sloped greens of Trestle Creek GR. Last years champion, Gina Nelson (Highlands GC) once again leads the field as she looks to go back-to-back for the second time in her career. 

Leaders After round 1

Round 2 Draw

Association News

Golf professionals tee off FREE program, August 23 from 1 – 4 p.m., at Valley Ridge Golf Club

CALGARY—Golf professionals in Alberta are teeing up a drive to break down barriers and make the game more inclusive for people with physical/cognitive disabilities by hosting a community outreach learn-to-play session for people with a disability at Valley Ridge Golf Club.

A FREE program for golfers of any age with physical limitations will be available on August 23 from 1-4 p.m. at the Valley Ridge Golf Club in Calgary. A total of 24 participants will be instructed by six PGA of Alberta Assistants Board members through four, one-hour stations: driving range; putting green; short game area; and activity time. Funded by Jumpstart, equipment will be provided and prizes up for grabs. Registration is still available at www.golfgenius.com/ggid/aw9g3p/register.

“We created this program as a way for our PGA of Canada Golf Professionals to not only assist with instructing the grassroots portion of the game, but to also reach those demographics who can sometimes be unserved when it comes to receiving golf instruction” said Bryce Halverson, Head Associate Golf Professional at Carnmoney Golf Club.

“The PGA of Alberta is committed to elevating the experience for numerous traditionally under-serviced demographics in the community by doing our part to provide positive experiences through golf instruction and activities. We hope to further strengthen the overall local golf community with inclusivity and diversity,” added Stephen Yanitski, Assistant Golf Professional at Valley Ridge Golf Club.

Both Halverson and Yanitski, along with Jumpstart and the PGA of Alberta, created a plan to serve this need, and identified four key community groups to positively impact in 2024: people with a physical disability; Indigenous communities; women/girls; and Els for Autism/Special Olympics in Calgary and Edmonton with the goal of making the game of golf a more welcoming and inclusive place for all to enjoy.

Earlier this summer a one-day summer camp for 16 Indigenous youth was held at Rundle Park Short Course in Edmonton. Calgary-based also led a series of events focused on supporting Els 4 Autism, Aspergers Friendship Society, and Special Olympics. Alberta professionals also introduced more than 70 junior girls and young women to the game.

Tournament News

Calgary area pro celebrates one-shot victory with rounds of 66-68 at prestigious event

CALGARY—Calgary’s Eric Locke was crowned king of the PGA of Alberta for 2024 on Tuesday.

The teaching ace from Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club celebrated a one-shot victory at the two-day Cobra Puma Golf and Moblicab PGA of Alberta Championship held at Stony Plain Golf Course.

Locke held off a late charge by defending champion, Wes Heffernen, to take the flagship event on the PGA of Alberta calendar with rounds of 66-68 (-10).

Locke led wire-to-wire against the largest field ever in the history of the PGA of Alberta’s flagship event with 120 pros in the Wild Rose province teeing it up on the 6,800-yard test on the west side of Edmonton.

Taking advantage of stellar playing conditions, Locke carried a one-shot lead over Mitchell Fox (Speargrass Golf Course) and Scott Allred (Elbow Springs Golf Course) into the final 18-hole spin after rattling off a hat trick of birdies to close out his opening round six deep from par. Fox, who has won nearly everything on the table in 2024, and the scrappy Allred posted 67s on the first day with a handful of big names, including Heffernen, carding 68s.

“With Mitch Fox, Sam Kirkness, Wes Heffernan, and Dillon Batsel behind me it didn’t matter that I was at the top because I knew I was going to have to go out there and shoot a number today,” said Locke after winning the first PGA of Alberta Championship in his career. “I didn’t think 68 was going to be good enough, to be honest, and I figured I had to shoot another 66 or better to compete with those gentlemen.”

A head-to-head battle of the heavyweights in Alberta golf ensued throughout Tuesday’s final round on the treelined Stony Plain track. Locke and Heffernen opened with identical nine-hole scores of 33. Mixing together three birdies with a bogey after making the turn, Locke carried a two-shot lead into the final hole where he gave one shot back before signing a card for 68 to secure the victory.

“They made their push early and came out of the gates fast,” added Locke. “But actually, seeing them start to make birdies kind of settled me down because you have to do that too.”

Heffernen (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre) was forced to settle for second place despite firing a 67 for low second-round honours, finishing at -9. Samuel Kirkness (Inglewood Golf and Country Club) and Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume Golf Club) shared third spot on the leaderboard at -8.  Kirkness won the Players Tour presented by Duca del Cosma at the Mill Woods Golf Course earlier this summer. Batsel lost the season-opening event at Picture Butte in a playoff.

The Stony Plain Golf Course has hosted many PGA of Alberta and Alberta Golf events throughout its rich history.

“We were excited to have the opportunity to host the most significant event on the 2024 calendar in northern Alberta,” said Jeff Cuthbertson, Executive Professional, Stony Plain Golf Course. “The course presented a really fair test of golf with chances to score and stretches where players were just looking to hold on. It was a privilege to host the top pros in our province.”

Complete Results:

For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/

Tournament News

The Cobra/Puma Golf & Mobilicab PGA of Alberta Championship kicked off round 1 at Stony Plain GC early Monday morning with a record setting 122 players in the field. 

Leading the way was Eric Locke (Priddis Greens G&CC) after finishing his day with three consecutive birdies to card a 6-under 66. Joining him in the final group is Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) and Scott Allred (Elbow Springs GC) who matched scorecards, finishing the day one shot back of Locke.

Tuesday will look to have an exciting race to the finish as 23 players completed their rounds under par.

Leaders After Round 1

Round 2 Draw

Tournament News

On Monday, ladies from Edmonton and surrounding areas joined their PGA of Alberta golf professionals at The Ranch G&CC to compete for the 2024 Pro-Lady North Title.

The team from Ranch G&CC (The), Shaun and Donna Piercey, had it rolling as they topped the field with 45 stableford points on their way to victory. 

Thank you to all participants and volunteers who made the Adidas Golf/EFW Radiology Pro-Lady North a huge success for 2024!

 Results

Tournament News

When Jeff Murdoch turned 50 in February, he added this to his summertime to-do list — trying to earn a tee-time to compete alongside the PGA TOUR Champions stars at the 2024 Rogers Charity Classic. 

He’s now one step closer. 

Murdoch was one of two PGA of Alberta members to advance through Friday’s pre-qualifier at Hamptons Golf Club. 

The final qualifier to round out the 78-man field is set for Tuesday at Elbow Springs. 

“I kind of set my goals on this in February and it just motivated me to keep my game in shape, to keep me in shape and keep me motivated,” Murdoch said. “I just wanted to do it to show my kids that it’s OK to try and OK to fail. So I’m pretty happy.”

There was no failure Friday.

Murdoch, who has maintained his PGA of Alberta membership but now works as a fire captain in Edmonton, carded a 3-over 75. After a lengthy wait to find out how that score stacked up, he made a clutch par on the first playoff hole.

Randy Robb, the director of coaching and high performance at Mickelson National Golf Academy, also advanced with a par in that three-for-two playoff.

“I didn’t expect this at all,” said Robb, who is a three-time winner of the PGA of Alberta’s Junior Leader of the Year award and continues to work with some of the most talented up-and-comers in the Calgary area. “I’ve been in Saskatoon all week at the Canadian Men’s Amateur, supporting the guys and walking the course, and I hadn’t touched my clubs in six days. 

“I was in Quebec at the PGA Seniors’ Championship of Canada the week before, so it’s not like I hadn’t played. But you know, we talk to our students about trying to ramp up going into an event. And then you get to the tee today and it’s like, ‘OK, which wedge is in here?’ 

“I made an eagle on No. 16, so that really helped. I didn’t expect 75 to be in a playoff, but I hung around and now we’ll see what happens Tuesday at Elbow Springs. That’s kind of fun.”  

Wouldn’t it be fun if he could play his way into the star-studded field for the 2024 Rogers Charity Classic? 

That award-winning tournament runs Aug. 16-18 at Canyon Meadows and features some of the biggest names in the birdie-making business — Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, and Mike Weir.

Robb has, over the years, encouraged countless students to attend the annual PGA Tour Champions shootout.

“I remember being there several years ago when Freddy (Couples) shot 61,” he reminisced. “And you’re thinking, ‘Whoa, that’s incredible!’ ”

The lineup for Tuesday’s final qualifier at Elbow Springs also includes Edmonton’s Larry Petryk, the reigning winner of the PGA of Alberta Seniors’ Championship. His provincial title provided a bye through the pre-qualifier.

As Murdoch, formerly the director of golf at Cougar Creek, prepared Friday for his three-hour drive home, he was excited about pulling a U-Turn to return to Calgary in just a couple of days.

And he was admittedly a bit emotional as he thought about calling his loved ones to share the news that he was through to the next stage of the qualifying quest.

“I have a 20-year-old at RCMP school and an 18-year-old about to start university, so I just wanted to show them that dad could still play some good golf,” said Murdoch, who won the PGA of Alberta’s Club Professional Championship in 2009. “And yesterday was my anniversary and I’m off playing a practice round. So I’ve got a really supportive family.

“It’s still a big road ahead of me,” he added, looking ahead to Tuesday’s shootout at Elbow Springs. “It’s still an uphill climb. But I’m up for the challenge and can hold my head high.”

Tournament News

CALGARY—Calgary’s Mitchell Fox is having a summer to remember, rattling off his third victory of the PGA of Alberta’s 2024 tournament series on Wednesday at the Sirocco Golf Club.

The Apprentice Professional from the Speargrass Golf Course carved out rounds of 66-65—131 (-13) for a four-shot victory at the Cobra/Puma Golf Assistants Championship.

“It’s a huge relief for me. I’ve come close the last three or four years in a lot of events. I’ve been edged by one by Wes (Heffernan) last year in the Assistants, so it is nice to come out on top,” said Fox, who also won a Players Tour event and the Kailani Pro-Pro Scramble. “Looking at the names on that (Assistants) trophy, it is nice to add my name to that group of guys.”

After throwing together a card of five birdies, an eagle and one bogey in his first 18-hole spin, Fox kept the pedal down in Wednesday’s final round.

“The match was tough. Any time you are going head-to-head with a guy like Wes, and having guys like Mike Belbin and Dillon Batsel hanging around you know it is going to be a tough day,” added Fox. “I knew I had to go out there and shoot a low score no matter what with Wes chasing me down, so I think that helped me.”

Mission accomplished!

With Heffernan on his tail Fox carded seven birdies in a bogey-free round on the final day.

“I didn’t play as good yesterday as I did today. I made a ton of putts yesterday, got some breaks off the tee where I made some bad tee shots but today, I just played really well all day,” said the former Canadian Tour player. “I putted well, I hit it well. The key over the last two days was probably that it was my better putting over two days all year. I hit it really good.”

Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance) made a charge, opening his final round with 30 on the front side, but came up just shy in trying to successfully defend his title after stumbling down the finishing stretch with a bogey and double-bogey in his five holes coming home. Heffernan closed with rounds of 69-66—135 (-9) for second place. Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume Golf Club) settled for third place at 138 (-6) in the field of 68 players.

Complete Results:

For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/

Tournament News

Sirocco GC hosted round 1 of the Cobra/Puma Golf Assistants Championship today with 68 of Alberta’s Assistant Professionals looking to set themselves up to hoist the trophy on Wednesday. 

A change in weather brought some familiar faces to the top of the leaderboard as Mitchell Fox (Speargrass GC) got off to a hot start as he finished the day shooting a 6-under 66. Fox had five birdies and an eagle to hold a three shot lead over back-to-back defending champion, Wes Heffernan (Dynamic Motion Golf Performance Centre).

Dillon Batsel (Desert Blume GC) and Mike Belbin (Royal Mayfair GC) are sitting in a tie for third after opening the tournament with a 2-under 70. They will both look to stay in the mix later in the morning on Wednesday.

Tee times for round 2 will start at 7:00am.

Leaders After Round 1

Round 2 Draw

Buying Show News

Enhanced Show experience set for October 22-24 at Calgary’s BMO Centre (Hall B).

With the golf season swinging into August, attendee registration is now open for the 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show, scheduled to take place at Calgary’s BMO Centre (Hall B), October 22-24.

It is our goal to deliver an enhanced experience at the 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show while bringing together golf professionals, industry suppliers, and sales representatives as facilities from across western Canada prepare their inventories for the 2025 season.

The only show of its kind in Canada, this year’s premier gathering of the golf community in western Canada will deliver:

• new product and trends in the golf industry for 2025;
• exclusive networking events, an invaluable opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and exhibitors while expanding your professional network;
• complimentary food and beverage options for attendees, courtesy of our partner Gordon Food Service (GFS), will be available in the 19th Hole;
• education sessions focused on relevant topics to the golf industry that are designed to help PGA of Canada members advance professionally;
• PGA of Alberta Awards Cocktail Reception & Ceremony to recognize the trailblazers, innovators, and champions in our community who continue to drive the golf industry forward.

Don’t miss out on the chance to forge meaningful connections, exchange insights, and unlock new opportunities for your 2025 season. Secure your spot today and be part of this one-of-a-kind event for the golf industry in Canada by registering your team today using the following link: 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show Attendee Registration

The 2024 PGA of Alberta Buying Show will operate under revised hours: October 22 (9 am – 5 pm); October 23 (9 am – 5 pm); October 24 (9 am – 3 pm). All exhibitors will be on the floor until the close of the show floor on the final day. A Business Professional Dress Code will also be in effect for the duration of the PGA of Alberta Buying Show for all attendees and exhibitors. Not sure what to wear? Take a look at our infographic for more details.  

We hope to have you join us for this premier event filled with opportunities for viewing, buying, networking, industry recognition, education, and social activities in Calgary this fall.

If you have any questions related to the PGA of Alberta Buying Show, please contact Michelle Moody at [email protected].

Tournament News

CALGARY—Matthew Mah and Mitchell Fox took top team honours in the main division of the Kailani Pro-Pro Scramble event at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club (Hawk Course) while Katy Rutherford and Amy Popkes were crowned queens of the women’s division.

Mah (Millwoods Golf Course) and Fox (Speargrass Golf Club) edged out a professional tandem from Earl Grey Golf Club - Scott Stiles and Pat Wilmot – after making birdie on the first extra hole. Both teams completed the 18-hole test on the southern skirts of Calgary with 12-under-par 60s.

Six other teams finished one-shot back at 61 (-11) in the field of 59 teams made up of PGA of Alberta professionals throughout the province.

Katy Rutherford and Amy Popkes also needed to work overtime to take top spot in the women’s division. The dynamic duo squared off with Kim Valleau (Winston Golf Club) and Rhonda Carter (Blue Devil Golf Course) in a one-hole playoff that was also determined with a birdie.

Congratulations to Matt Dykstra (Blackhawk GC) for his hole-in-one on hole #2 and Wayne Fairbairn (Willow Park G&CC) for making an albatross on hole #18.

Complete Results:

For more information on the PGA of Alberta calendar of events, please visit https://www.pgaofalberta.com/tournaments/registration/